AEM was selected as a sub-contractor, to design and manufacture the control keyboard for the new autopilot in NASA's fleet of T-38 Talon, twin-engine supersonic jet trainers.

The panels were delivered to American Systems, who were contracted by NASA to develop and supply the autopilot for their fleet of T-38 Talons which they use for astronaut proficiency training. The new autopilot is intended to comply with the FAA's Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) equipment requirements, allowing the aircraft to fly in certain airspace. AEM supplied the type VII keyboard, NVIS compatible panels based on requirements set forth by American Systems. “It was a pleasure working with the American Systems engineering staff”, says Luc Schingh, Sales/Avionics Lighting Specialist at AEM. “It is also pretty cool to be able to say we have put some of our equipment into NASA's aircraft”.

As AEM continues to diversify into new markets, prestigious projects like this one are helping them to gain even more recognition for their design, manufacturing and customer support capabilities.